As the Indian national football team gears up for the upcoming Intercontinental Cup, newly appointed head coach Manolo Márquez has announced a list of 26 probables for the preparatory camp.
This camp will serve as a crucial stepping stone for the Blue Tigers as they prepare to face Syria and Mauritius in the three-nation tournament scheduled to take place in Hyderabad from September 3 to 9, 2024.
With India ranked 124th in the latest FIFA rankings, the competition promises to be a challenging yet valuable opportunity for the team to test their mettle against higher-ranked opponents.
The Selection of Probables
The list of 26 probables reflects Márquez’s strategic vision and the emphasis on blending experience with youth. The goalkeepers selected include seasoned players like Gurpreet Singh and Amrinder Singh, along with the promising Prabhsukhan Singh Gill. In defense, the squad boasts a mix of reliable veterans and emerging talents, such as Rahul Bheke, Anwar Ali, and Chinglensana Singh Konsham. The midfield sees a robust lineup featuring the likes of Anirudh Thapa, Sahal Abdul Samad, and Lalengmawia Ralte, all of whom have proven their capabilities on the international stage. Meanwhile, the forward line includes dynamic players like Manvir Singh and Liston Colaco, who will be expected to spearhead India’s attack.
Márquez’s Vision and Challenges Ahead
During the announcement, Márquez expressed his excitement about the upcoming camp, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and collective effort in achieving success. “We face two different teams, and the rankings are not very important. We need to work all together in the same direction to find the correct group of players and their predisposition will be very good, something I am completely sure about,” Márquez stated. The Spanish coach, who has a deep connection with Indian football, underscored the honor of representing the national team and the need to perform for the fans.
Márquez’s journey in Indian football began with Hyderabad FC in the Indian Super League (ISL), where he quickly established strong bonds with the Indian players. His familiarity with the local football culture gives him an edge as he transitions to the national team. Márquez will also be juggling responsibilities with FC Goa during the 2024-25 season, a challenge he believes is manageable. He pointed out that the ISL schedule accommodates the national team’s fixtures, allowing him to focus on both roles effectively.
The Road to the AFC Asian Cup
India’s recent exit from the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers has shifted the focus to the 2027 AFC Asian Cup. The qualifiers for this prestigious tournament are set to begin in March 2025, and Márquez is keen on ensuring India secures a favorable draw by maintaining their position in Pot 1. The Intercontinental Cup, along with other friendly matches scheduled in the upcoming FIFA International Match Windows, will serve as critical preparation for the qualifiers.
Márquez emphasized the need for continuous improvement, both individually and as a team. “The target now is obviously to qualify for the AFC Asian Cup if we speak about competitions. The target is also to improve the level of the Indian players in this case, to reach the next step individually and as a team,” he remarked. The Spanish coach is well aware of the challenges ahead, but he remains optimistic, highlighting the importance of mentality and collective effort in achieving success.
Building a Cohesive Team
Márquez’s approach to team selection is grounded in meritocracy. He made it clear that players from all tiers of Indian football, including the I-League, have the opportunity to represent the national team if they demonstrate the required quality. However, he also stressed the importance of playing against strong opposition to hone their skills. “If they have the level, obviously, we will call them. But again, it would be better if these players play against stronger opposition. That’s how they get better,” Márquez explained.
As the team prepares for the Intercontinental Cup, Márquez is focused on identifying the right players who can contribute to the team’s overall strategy. He believes that finding the correct balance of talent, experience, and mental toughness is key to building a successful squad. “In the national team, theoretically, we’ll play the best players in the country. Then if the mentality is correct, we will get good things with good results,” Márquez concluded.
The List of Probables:
Goalkeepers: Gurpreet Singh, Amrinder Singh, Prabhsukhan Singh Gill.
Defenders: Nikhil Poojary, Rahul Bheke, Chinglensana Singh Konsham, Roshan Singh Naorem, Anwar Ali, Jay Gupta, Ashish Rai, Subhasish Bose, Mehtab Singh.
Midfielders: Suresh Singh Wangjam, Jeakson Singh, Nandhakumar Sekar, Naorem Mahesh Singh, Yasir Mohammad, Lalengmawia Ralte, Anirudh Thapa, Sahal Abdul Samad, Lallianzuala Chhangte, Lalthathanga Khawlhring.
Forwards: Kiyan Nassiri Giri, Edmund Lalrindika, Manvir Singh, Liston Colaco.
Intercontinental Cup Fixtures (All the matches will kick-off at 7.30 pm):
September 3: India vs Mauritius
September 6: Syria vs Mauritius
September 9: India vs Syria
The upcoming Intercontinental Cup presents a significant opportunity for India to test their squad against formidable opponents. Under Manolo Márquez’s guidance, the Blue Tigers will be looking to build a cohesive unit capable of competing at the highest level. As the preparatory camp begins in Hyderabad, the focus will be on fine-tuning the team’s strategy, enhancing player performance, and setting the stage for a successful campaign in the AFC Asian Cup qualifiers. With a mix of experienced players and promising talent, India is poised to make the most of this crucial phase in their footballing journey.
When will Intercontinental Cup begin?
The Intercontinental Cup will begin on 3rd September as India will face Mauritius from 7:30 pm onwards.
